STEAM Magazine South Texas Entertainment Art Music volume 8 issue 11 February 2020

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February 2020 VOL.8 ISS.11 #95 ON THE COVER...

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BY TONY ARMADILLO PUBLISHER RUSTY HICKS EDITOR TAMMA HICKS COMICS EDITOR ALLENE HICKS STAFF WRITERS TAMMA HICKS, RUSTY HICKS SOCIAL MEDIA BARRY ROGERS/WAYNE PR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ALLENE HICKS, RUSTY HICKS, HARRISON FUNK, TIM DODGE CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J MICHAEL DOLAN, ROB DICKENS, DEREK SIGNORE, TONY NICKLIN, RICK J BOWEN, KEITH “MUZIKMAN” HANNALECK DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR TERRY MITCHELL

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4 COMICS 5 QUICK READ 6 ALBUM COVER OF THE MONTH 7 CD REVIEWS 8 TONY ARMADILLO: THOUGHT PROVOKING ART 11 HAL KET C HUM B EN EFI T 11 PHIL BRADBURY: TUBE AMP ANSWERS 12 JO -EL SONNIER: KING OF CAJUN 14 FREE B EER B AN D 14 B OOK REVI EW : N ORT ON BUFFALO, BAND BROTHER 15 TIM DODGE’S TEXAS COUNRTY TOUR

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STEAM Magazine is published monthly by STEAM Magazine, South Texas Entertainment Art Music, in Corpus Christi, TX. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Views expressed within are solely the authors and not of STEAM Magazine. Typographical, photographic, and printing errors are unintentional and subject to correction. Please direct all inquiries to: submissions@steamtx.com

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6 essentials you’ll need in 2020 J. Michael Dolan 1. Your unique abilities, exceptional talents, and that uncommon quirk that no one else in the world has but you. Without them you’re toast.

2. Your incomplete to-do list of unfinished tasks, abandoned goals and postponed projects, staring you right in the face, and still waiting for you to take action.

3. That remarkable skill you have to “create” your way out of crummy circumstances. Without that, you’ll be constantly stalled by crummy circumstances throughout the year.

4. Your biggest goals, wildest dreams and strongest desires. They lead, you follow.

5. Your advisory board. Those few people (or that one person) in your life you can count on, confide in and consult with for advice, guidance, direction and inspiration.

6. Trust, in all those experiences you had in 2019 that taught you something. Confidence, in all the knowledge you acquired that lead you somewhere. And Faith, in that deeper wisdom you attained that prodded you to look deeper.

Important Because the only thing you can’t take with you into 2020 is any hope of a better 2019.

Leader of the band J. Michael Dolan The question is, as the CEO of your creative career, are you content to produce half-ass work just to “get it out there?” Or are you committed to doing everything in your power to produce full-ass work that will strengthen your personal brand and blow away your fans, clients & customers?

Important Because every success (or failure) stands on the shoulders of the leader of the band.

10 horrible reasons why you haven’t broken through J. Michael Dolan 1) You’ve been faking it for so long you’re exhausted and it’s getting harder to keep up the charade.

2) You’re selling a new story: instead of telling people where you’re headed, you’re telling them stories of where you’ve been.

3) You’re still waiting for someone to walk in and save you and your career or your business.

4) Not making it for so long has become the new normal.

5) Every time you’ve come close to the brass ring, you’ve been afraid to let go and reach out for it.

6) You’re stuck in a thinking that “success” has to match your definition.

7) You resist “change” as if it were the enemy.

8) You’re too embarrassed to admit to yourself or others that it’s time to fold up the tent.

9) You will never admit or even listen to the notion that the choices and decisions you’ve made in the past are the reason you are where you are today.

10) You need help and you’re too proud to ask for it.

Important Because nothing on this list is more important than #2. If you can (honestly & confidently) start telling people where you’re headed instead of where you’ve been, that would mean the other 9 reasons don’t apply to you.

STEAMMAGAZINE.NET FEBRUARY 2020 STEAM MAGAZINE

5

The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus Label: ABKCO

Genre: Rock-Blues Recorded: 1968 Originally Released: 1996 Re-release: 2019

For many years I have heard about The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus. Now I finally got the opportunity to take in the entire package visually and audibly.

I was the lucky cat to get the Deluxe book edition that included 44 pages, the Blu-ray, DVD, 3 CDs (which includes a bonus disc of never before released tracks). And of course, the object of any Stones fan and or collector’s desire, the 180-Gram 3 LP set.

Rock and Roll Circus was the Stones answer to the mop tops and their Sgt. Pepper. Hot of the heels of their iconic Beggars Banquet album, the Stones were immensely popular and their legend was growing with each album as they continued to produce a progressive blend of blues, rock and psychedelic sounds. What made this event really special was the presence of John Lennon, giving the band his thumbs up and show of respect for their music.

The 4k restoration on Blu-ray reproduces the original show in spectacular fashion that brings the film as close to today’s standards as it could possibly get. As one website puts it “The concert film was remastered using Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies for an unprecedented immersive experience.” I could not say it any better than that. To watch the entire film and all the bonus footage was a real treat. Then to listen to the bonus CD with the archived tracks

6 STEAM MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET

that were released for the first time, well, it is Stones fans dream that would have any rockblues salivating.

Then to complete the experience you need to hear it all on beautiful 180-gram vinyl. The sound is fantastic of course, actually better than anyone would expect considering this was all laid down back in 1968.

I really enjoyed the Taj Mahal, his band was really cookin’ and he was the classic bluesman, with the ruff vocal style filled with all the sweat, heart and soul of the blues. I enjoyed all the tracks. Having not been exposed to any of Taj’s early work made me realize I needed to explore more his catalog.

Then there was the supergroup The Dirty Mac which included Winston Leg-Thigh – vocals AKA John Lennon, rhythm guitar (from The Beatles), Eric Clapton – lead guitar (from Cream), Mitch Mitchell – drums (from The Jimi Hendrix Experience) and Keith Richards – bass (from The Rolling Stones).

The one stinker of the entire set is Yoko Ono wailing away. It absolutely grates against your nerves, like fingernails on a chalkboard.

John certainly loved that woman, there is no denying that! I did notice Ivry Gitlis, on violin smiling a lot during the song she sang on

"Whole Lotta Yoko."

He either was just having a great time or laughing inside at how horrible Yoko was. But alas, we have to include as it is part of the history of rock and part of this Rock and Roll Circus. There is just way too much excellence about the entire show to let one performance take anything away from it all. I most certainly enjoyed hearing everything twice I must say that.

The 180-gram vinyl is beautiful and it comes in different colored sleeves complete with nice inserts and pictures of the show. The cover is excellent as well, all in foiled shiny brilliance to catch the eye and imagination of what it must have been like to be in the audience. The entire packaging was very well done.

Rock and Roll Circus is a collectors’ piece for the ages and out for the first time for the world to see.

This is a no brainer for Stones fans and a must have for any vinyl or rock collector. The bonus is that everything is so good, even the practice jams are killer. You cannot go wrong so get your copy ASAP!

FIFTY YEAR RETROSPECTIVE OF THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL VARIOUS ARTISTS (SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS )

JOHNNY BURGIN LIVE (DELMARK RECORDS)

BY RICK J BOWEN Cutting his teeth as a young guitar player on Chicago’s West Side, Johnny Burgin knows that the blues is best served up as a hot dish performed in front of an enthusiastic audience. His latest release, simply titled Live, is a perfect example of this notion.

Captured on one night at the Redwood Café near Santa Rosa, California, the 14-song set of original material from and a tight backing band that includes Kid Anderson on guitar and piano, Steve Dougherty on drums and Chris Matheos on bass is as authentic as it gets. Burgin has a seasoned gritty tenor akin to Paul Butterfield, which is why he invited two stellar harmonica masters to sit in: The fie y Aki Kumar and living legend Charlie Musselwhite (who also made his mark in Chicago). Portland blues broad Rae Gordon also trades vocals with Burgin on two fun loving tracks, and she takes the lead on one of

her own tunes, the sassy “Late Night Date Night.” Saxophonist Nancy Wright adds depth to the band on four tracks including the swaggering instrumental, “Louisiana Walk.” A self-professed “traditionalist,” Burgin, utilizes familiar themes in his songwriting and the CD feels like a long lost Chess Records session taped at 2120 South Michigan Avenue. This skill is highlighted on the slow burning “When a Bluesman Comes to Town.”

Burgin, being a smart bandleader, gives each of his players moments to shine throughout the whole set .

JOHNNYBURGIN.COM RICK J BOWEN: WABLUES.COM

If you have never been to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (aka Jazz Fest), this is the next best thing. If you HAVE experienced the color and excitement of the event first hand, I suspect this will be a must-have memento.

For 50 years, Jazz Fest has brought the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Big Easy to millions of festival goers. In celebration of Jazz Fest’s golden anniversary, venerable record label Smithsonian Folkways is presenting a comprehensive box set of live recordings from the festival’s past. The five discs present the sounds of the festival as you’d hear them while wandering across the 145 acres of the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Track in the Gentilly neighborhood.

Though the festival attracts some of the biggest rock stars on the planet, the focus of this ambitious box set is on the roots of Louisiana music, which comprise the vast majority of the festival’s bookings,

JACK MACK & THE HEART ATTACK LIVE FROM CENTENNIAL PARK, ATLANTA 1996 (SSR FREE ROLL RECORDS)

BY RICK J BOWEN Resurrected from the ashes of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, the world finally gets to hear a recording of one of the greatest party bands ever to rock the house, Live from Centennial Park, Atlanta 1996, from Jack Mack and the Heart Attack. The album was released last month in conjunction with the new film Richard Jewell from Clint Eastwood and Warner Brothers.

Jewell was a security guard who discovered a backpack with pipe bombs in it and he helped evacuate Centennial Park before the bombs exploded. Playing out like the syllabus of a master class, the 11-song set details the prime elements needed to be a successful working dance band.

Which is precisely how they earned the moniker “the hardest working band in soul business,” for over 40 years. The high energy sound of five original tunes and perfectly timed R&B and soul classics are designed to showcase each member of the band and ignite the crowd into a dancing frenzy. Albino Bennett

kicks off the primeval funk groove of “(We Got) More Soul,” with bassman Tim Scott, guitarist Andrew Kastner, and John Paruolo on Hammond B3 falling in behind nicely. The mighty Heart Attack Horns of Lester Lovitt on trumpet and Bill Bergman on sax join in on the East Bay soul prototype. The stirring performance of the Staples Singers’ standard, “I’ll Take You There,” is the first of two songs chosen to be featured in the new film. The final song of the set, “I Walked Alone,” received ovations for the sweet R&B love song that was cut short by the senseless bomb blast. Nearly 40,000 people attended the 1996 Olympiad party on a sultry night in July of 1996.

Now that this album has resurfaced, let us hope that they will remember the blessing of music and joy delivered by Jack Mack and the Heart Attack above and beyond the tragedy that cut short their dynamic performance.

TERESAJAMES.COM RICK J BOWEN: WABLUES.ORG

from Jazz to Bounce, Zydeco to Gospel, Brass Bands to R&B. Carefully selected from countless hours of live recordings, the box set includes unreleased material spanning the years 1974 to 2016 and features key moments with celebrated artists like Trombone Shorty, Irma Thomas, Big Freedia, Professor Longhair, The Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint (solo and in a duet with Bonnie Raitt), Dr. John, Kermit Ruffins, Terence Blanchard, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Champion Jack Dupree and Buckwheat Zydeco, among many others.

The music is accompanied by a 135-page book, filled with exclusive photographs drawn from the archives of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, The Historic New Orleans Collection and independent photographers, as well as historical essays by journalist Keith Spera and author Karen Celestan, a retrospective of the music heard at Jazz Fest

by Robert H. Cataliotti and in-depth notes by Jeff Place and Huib Schippers of Smithsonian Folkways, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation archivist Rachel Lyons, WWOZ’s Dave Ankers, and Jon Pareles of the New York Times.

The box set starts with the song “Indian Red,” sung here by The Golden Eagles, a song traditionally sung at the opening of iconic Mardi Gras Indian parades and

gatherings. And it ends, as the festival did for many years, with a rousing version of “Amazing Grace.” Between these bookends, five albums of music, taken from WWOZ radio recordings and live stage recordings, bring us some of the best Louisiana artists to ever grace the stage. Each track was selected by a committee of individuals who know the 50 year history of the festival intimately.

Most of these recordings have never been released commercially and sparkle with life. Jazz Fest: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is an immersive experience, both for listeners discovering the festival for the first time and for some of the millions who’ve been there in person.

Musical genres roll and flow across the Fair Grounds at Jazz Fest, and the varied arrangements of the discs showcase this musical diversity. Disc 1 strolls through the powerful jazz offerings at the festival, with a festive jam from New Orleans saxophonist Donald Harrison Jr and a racing traditional jazz tribute to Louis Armstrong from Kermit Ruffins, plus boogie-woogie piano from Champion Jack Dupree.

Discs 2 and 3 guide the listener through Jazz Fest’s many ties to New Orleans blues, soul, and R&B, from the legendary Allen Toussaint to definitive soul singer Irma Thomas, with detours to virtuoso guitarist Snooks Eaglin, and New Orleans soul natives Dixie Cups. Highlights include the great Dr. John on “Litanie des Saints,” and a remarkably spirited cover of “My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It” from Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Gospel deep dives come in Disc 3 with a powerful performance of “Old Rugged Cross” from Irma Thomas, and inspired sets by the Zion Harmonizers and Johnson Extension. Disc 4 brings the listener to the Cajun and Zydeco Fais-Do-Do stage, with sets from Buckwheat Zydeco, Boozoo Chavis, The Savoy Family Cajun Band, and Beausoleil, before moving to the mainstage and major live sets from The Neville Brothers and Allen Toussaint & Bonnie Raitt.

Disc 5 is the most genre-smashing selection, with mainstage sets including a surprising cover of “Take the ‘A’ Train” from blues guitarist Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, and a burning “Fire on the Bayou” from The funky Meters. As a city that’s always birthed new American music forms, New Orleans’ hip-hop is paid homage to here with a blazing set from Bounce ambassador Big Freedia.

Jazz Fest: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was created by The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, utilizing its Archive and with the assistance of the Jazz & Heritage radio station WWOZ; the production was made possible through the generous support of The Helis Foundation, a Louisiana family foundation dedicated to increasing access to the arts. The Helis Foundation has pledged to donate copies of the box set to every branch of New Orleans Public Library, ensuring all citizens of New Orleans can access this unparalleled collection LISTENINGTHOUGHTHELENS.COM

STEAMMAGAZINE.NET FEBRUARY 2020 STEAM MAGAZINE 7

We were going to Cole Park and there’s a house directly in front of the park that has a Victorian gazebo in the front.

We were walking by and I happened to look up at this tree what I thought was a tree - and it turned out to be a living oxymoron. Here we have these beautiful, delicate flowers growing on this malicious tree with gnarly thorns. That's why call it’s Beauty And The Beast.

Female Empowerment Denied. What got me angry with this one was I was listening to the case of a young woman that went to Stanford and she was assaulted and raped by another student. She was left, discarded by a dumpster. It went to court and the judge gave the guy probation because he didn't want this event “to negatively affect his future”. I couldn't believe that. The girl typed up a statement, 12 pages long, and I read every part of it.

The things she had to answer in court were like ripping yourself apart and that really angered me.

I called Abby, a former student, and told her I needed I model. I had her pose in a truck bed with a piece of Plexiglas on top – to create a box. I had her press against the Plexiglas roof so I could get what it looks like.

This canvas sits in the back of a Plexiglas box, so she sits inside a cubicle. There are newspaper clippings around her that include the 2017 Women's March and when the women’s right to vote passed in 1919. Her leg has a rusted chain for the past and 100 years later she’s still shackled with a newer chain placed there by what happened at the Women’s March and a young girl being raped. In the foreground, I have a chain and it's sitting on the newspapers that talk about the Women's March. Down at the bottom in red, is the story about her presentation in court and a letter written by Joe Biden addressed to her saying that “I don't know you and people don't know you, but what you did took a lot of courage and you will positively affect others.” I have a pulpit next to the art display with that girl's statement along with Joe Biden's letter, so if somebody wants to read them, they are available.

Strength, Faith, Resolution. Stephen was a

Marine who served 2 or 3 tours in the Middle East. When Stephen came back, we talked and he said the only thing that kept him going was his religious faith and his family. He and his wife were helping others with PTSD and he was sitting down and I liked his hands creating a heart. I created him sitting on a park bench, but I changed it to an ossuary after watching the History Channel. (A chest, box, building, or site made to serve as the final resting place.) Stephen is sitting on the ossuary to honor the remains of his fallen comrades and because he doesn't want any more going in as a result of PTSD. I created the frame and the top apex is for a military burial flag. Rockport Warriors United (a Veterans group) wants a copy of it for their facility and so I’m working on getting that arranged. The saddest thing is this November Stephen took his life.

This is my friend Omar and the title says it all.

My Lungs My Heart My Soul.

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Tube Amplification…

Where do we start?

When an artist contacts me to discuss an

instrument level amplifier here is how it goes… I usually spend an hour or more learning the artist’s genre, venues, instruments, pickups, effects, etc. In a perfect world, an artist would come to the music room (where I have every chassis and cabinet that I build) but unfortunately, most of the artists I build for are several states away and don’t have the opportunity to test drive the amps.

Here is where we start: The first thing we need to identify is what Power Tube we need for this particular artist. If I am working with a blues artist that is doing small clubs and wants to use “Natural Tube Overdrive” I would go with the 6V6 for a fat tone with a quick breakup or possibly the EL84 for a tighter tone with good but different breakup characteristics. If I am working with an artist that is looking for a fat clean tone throughout the volume

range but may want a bit of “Hair” on the top of the volume range I would probably go with the tried and true 6L6. If I have a jazz or western swing artist that is using the big box electric guitars like a Barney Kessel or Tal Farlow I would usually use a 6550 power tube that would stay very clean over the entire volume range. If I am working with an artist that uses acoustic instruments (guitar, mandolin, fiddle, etc.) I would probably go with KT120 or KT88 power tubes as these will exhibit a totally clean tone with no breakup.

Next, we need to select the proper PreAmp Section. I would need to consider the stage volume and band characteristics, and this would then aim me toward the series 8 (octal preamp) low-gain chassis or the series 9 (noval preamp) higher gain chassis. The octal (8 pin) preamp tubes have about a 40 to 1 gain while the noval (9 pin 12Ax7) exhibit 100 to 1 gain. The 8 pin preamp tubes have an amazing dynamic response especially in the hands of players like Vince Gill, Brent Mason, or Dann Huff. This can give their tone a “Third Dimension”. Some artists need a higher gain preamp section to achieve the tone they are known for such as Robben Ford, Tom Hemby, or Joe Bonamassa. It is my opinion that the relationship between the Pre-amp tubes and the Power Tubes are extremely important and this is where a lot of the magic can come from.

Once we identify the proper Power and Pre-Amp tube types we can then move to wattage requirements, Speaker type, and number. I will share my thoughts on Speakers, Cabinets, and especially wattage in future columns.

If you have a question about Tube Amplification and how it relates to your situation please send your questions to and I will try to answer them in future columns.

PHIL@LITTLEWALTERTUBEAMPS.COM

By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine

We

try to get you information that makes you feel good, makes you happy. And sometimes we tell you about things that make you want to get involved – this is one of those times. Country artist and Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum is battling Alzheimer’s disease and is the focus of a tribute concert and fundraising campaign to assist with his medical bills in Gruene, Texas.

For most country music fans Hal Ketchum is a familiar voice. Hal was no stranger to the Country Billboard charts in the ‘90’s with hits like Small Town Saturday Night, Sure Love, Hearts Are Gonna Roll, and many more. Spending most of the ‘80’s and ‘90's as a hard working country musician, Hal was hospitalized in 1998 with Acute Transverse Myelitis, a sister disease to Multiple Sclerosis, which his mother died from.

After relearning how to do basic tasks and to play guitar, he came back to spend 10 more years on the road, until issues with brain functions reappeared and almost ended his career.

After

several long years of loving care from his family and friends, and his burning desire to write and sing again, Hal returned in 2014 with a new album full called “I’m The Troubadour.”

During this time Hal was blessed and fell in love with a beautiful and supporting wife, Andrea. After only a few years back touring and performing and being happily married, tragedy struck again in the form of a vicious, incurable brain disease. His memory was failing him, he was forgetting guitar chords and words to his own songs and other basics, and it was only a short time before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as well as Diabetes. In a heartbreaking announcement last April Andrea reported that Hal retired from music following his diagnosis with the debilitating disease. He gave his final performance in October 2018 at Gruene Hall, where he had made frequent

appearances since 1985.

It's

now 2020, and the disease has progressed - Hal has sung his last tune for us on this earth. He can no longer tour or make records.

Raised by Wolves, Bound for Glory: A Tex-

as Tribute to Hal Ketchum will take place at Gruene Hall on Sunday, February 23rd.

Featured performers are Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis. Other artists taking the stage include Ray Wylie Hubbard, Wade Bowen, Walt Wilkins, the Mystiqueros, Lee Roy Parnell, Rob Roy Parnell, Jesse Dayton, Slaid Cleaves, Gabe Rhodes, and Kenny Grimes, with more special guests expected to appear and a silent auction.

After

we learned of Hal’s tribute we called Canadian artist Genevieve Garand (genegarand.com), who is well-known for her Country Music Series and Grand Ole Opry member portraits. Genevieve offered to paint a portrait of Hal and donate it to the auction.

I would include a picture of it here however, as of press time, it was being shipped to us.

STEAM Magazine also donated a Half Page ad to the auction .

As

Raised by W o l v e s , Bound for Glory: A Texas Tribute to Hal Ketchum was quickly sold out (there is a waiting list!) a GoFundMe has been started on behalf of the singer-songwriter to help with mounting medical costs and living expenses. Hal’s life was writing, singing, and performing for his fans around the world. He’s played hundreds of benefits in support of causes and those in need. Now, Hal is the one in need.

Any help that you can give Hal and his family is graciously appreciated and all donations go to the Hal Ketchum Medical Fund to ease the financial burden of overwhelming medical costs and living expenses.

GOFUNDME.COM/ HALKETCHUMMEDICALFUND

STEAMMAGAZINE.NET FEBRUARY 2020 STEAM MAGAZINE 11

By Tamma Hicks, STEAM Magazine

e’s known as the King of Cajun and for good reason! Jo-EL Sonnier's musical talent is as inspiring as his journey that started in Rayne, LA., where he was born to Frenchspeaking sharecropper parents, who didn't have a lot of money. Jo-EL was given an accordion at the age of three, just as something to keep him occupied. His parents noticed when he started showing a real talent for playing the instrument. Sonnier would make his radio debut at the age of six and had his first recording session at the age of 11.

Jo-EL became known as a Louisiana musical sensation, while playing local venues. However, he decided to try country music when he moved to Nashville in 1974. He signed a recording contract with Mercury Records. Four years later, he moved to the West Coast, performing solo shows with the help of friends including guitarist Albert Lee and the Band’s

Garth Hudson

In 1987, Jo-EL signed a new recording deal with RCA Records and made Come On Joe. He was named New Country Touring Artist of the Year by Performance Magazine in 1988, and nominated by the Academy of Country Music for New Male Vocalist of the Year. He also won Cashbox Magazine’s New Male Vocalist Award.

Jo-EL even became a sought after session player in Nashville. He has lent his talent on the accordion to more than 100 artist records and continues to maintain a regular schedule as a session player. The sounds of his accordion can be heard on the albums of legends like Alan

Jackson, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Neil Diamond, The Indigo Girls, Dolly Parton, Hank Williams Jr., and others.

As a songwriter, Jo-EL's songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, George Strait, EmmyLou Harris, John Anderson, and Jerry Lee Lewis. In 12 STEAM MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET

Curtesy Photo

2004, Jo-EL recorded a duet with Chris LeDoux, on what would be Chris’s last album.

In 2006 Jo-EL received his 4th Grammy nomination for Cajun Mardi Gras and in 2009 was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He won a Grammy in 2015 for Best Regional Roots Music Album of the Year for, The Legacy.

Two years later Jo-EL opened up about having a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome, a diagnosis he didn't get until later in life. It's a difference that's worked for Jo-EL in a lot of ways, especially in his music and writing.

In 2018 Jo-EL became an author! He released 2 children's books, The Little Boy Under The Wagon and There's A Mouse In My Accordion.

Next came a Cajun cookbook along with his own bottle of Cajun Sauce, Jo-EL Sonnier “Ayeee” Cajun Power Sauce.

Jo-EL’s fans are undeniably dedicated and the music industry elite admire his work to no end.

Known for his incredible stage performances, JoEL is backed by six accomplished musicians he calls the Tearstained Letter Band. We talked with Jo-EL about life, music and all the great people that embrace him.

Jo-EL, when did you and your family first realize your musical talents?

Well, I think I was about five years old when they realized I was gettin’ pretty good on the accordion. Some of the local musicians in the area told my parents that they thought I had real talent and they would let me sit in with them, when they played at the dances. I actually started playin’ a few years earlier but it took me a little while to learn the instrument but once I did, the accordion never left my side. By the time I was seven, I was playin’ on the radio every mornin’ before school. I knew then, that my music could make people happy and that was what I wanted to do with my life.

What made you pick up an accordion and start playing it initially?

Well in the beginnin’, the accordion was placed in my hands as a toy to keep me busy. You see, back in the ’40s, my parents were sharecroppers who picked cotton in south Louisiana. I was just a toddler and too little to pick cotton, so I was kept under the wagon where it was shady and I was safe and out of the way. Well, I was always climbin’ out from under the wagon, so one day my mother placed a box in my hands and told me I could play with it, if I stayed under the wagon. The box was an old accordion that barely played, but it did have buttons and knobs on it and it made sounds when I squeezed it. I was completely mesmerized by the accordion and from that day on, it was always with me.

What do you strive to accomplish for your audience when you’re on stage?

I think music is like medicine and when I perform I want to reach everyone through my music, so they can forget their problems and have joy in their heart, even if it’s only for a little while. I want to put a smile on their face and even put a tear in their eyes. If what I do on stage doesn’t bring out some form of emotion from the audience, then I didn’t do my job.

What are some of the compliments said to you personally by other artists, about your influence on their music?

I think the greatest compliment I ever received came from the great Bob Dylan. Once after a show, Bob was backstage where he had been watchin’ me perform, and he walked up to me and he told me that I played my music with the same passion that he had for his music. He told me to never let anyone take that passion away from me. I will always treasure his words. Of course, it’s always an honor when one of the new young accordion players tell me that they grew up listenin’ to my music and that it really influenced how they play; it makes me feel like I must have done somethin’ right.

Tell us about some of your best memories on stage.

I’ve had so many great memories over the last 60 plus years on the road and on stage.

Bein’ asked to play with so many of

Curtesy Photo

my music heroes aganza. will always be my What are some greatest memories. of your favorHearin’ the great ite career Johnny Cash say, highlights and “Play it pretty Joor memories?

EL”, will be forevI’ve had lots of er etched in my great career mind. Havin’ the highlights, but great George Jones I’d have to say, ask me to play Jolie winnin’ my first Blonde and the Grammy was legend, Merle Hagthe best. I’d gard givin’ me a been lucky thumbs up... well enough to rethose memories ceive five previjust can’t be ous nominabought. And now, tions, but I’d 30 years after I was never won until the new young I did in 2015. country star on the When I look at big stage, to have my Grammy, it the young stars of tells me that all country music my hard work, invite me to play all the sacrifices my accordion on Cajun Accordion Kings at the Liberty Theater, March 11, 2017 my family made stage with them...

Walter Mouton, Steve Riley, & Jo-EL Sonnier. Cajun Zydeco Photos-David Simpson for me and all Well it brings great the belief that joy to my heart. I people had in never thought that I’d still be appreciated at my Elliott. The director of the movie, Peter Bogdame, wasn’t for nothin’. age, but I find out all the time that people still novich, was a fan of my music and he gave me I’ve made so many great memories in my caremember who I am and still know the music the part of the biker “Sunshine” and he used reer, travelin’ across the country so many times that I made. When a hot young artist invites several of my songs in the film. I played accoron a tour bus full of great musicians, to perone of the old guys like me to play a song with dion and harmonica in several different scenes. form for people in all of the 50 states and in 32 them on the big stage, like the ones where I I worked with Peter again on a couple more countries. I’ve met people, who I’ll never forplayed back in my day, it breathes new life into films he directed. I was thrilled to have one of get, who I’ve become good friends with and my memories. I’m still amazed that artists like my songs in Steel Magnolias. It’s one of my who have blessed my life by comin’ into my Toby Keith, Jamey Johnson, Tanya Tucker, and wife’s all-time favorite movies. I’ve done other life. The older I get, the more I understand the Eddie Montgomery even know who I am, and to movies with Judge Reinhold and Nicolas Cage and importance of memories; for the day will come find out they appreciate the music that I I got a small part in the HBO Series, True when all I have are my memories of a great made... Well, it’s a great feelin’.

Detective. career where I hope I’ve brought joy to people You and your wife Bobbye seem to make through my songs. And long after my memoDo you see yourself doing more film/tv an incredible team. Do you mind talking a ries are gone and I’m gone too, knowin’ that work? little bit about the role she plays in your life my music will still be around for others to I sure hope so! I love actin’. Hey, I act like I’m and your career? discover and for them to make new memories a musician every day, haha. I’d love to play in a My Bobbye is my heart, and yes, we are a team. too... Well, I think that’s the best memory I’ll movie about the Cajuns someday. The true For almost 30 years, she has been with me at leave this world with. history of the Cajun exile would make a fantasevery show I’ve played, every mile I traveled tic movie, and I’d love to be a part of it.

You’ve done so much already, but as we and she’s wiped away every tear that I’ve cried. move into 2020, what are some other career You’ve done quite a bit of work in recent The road we’ve traveled hasn’t been easy; goals? years with actor-musician John Schneider. we’ve buried our parents, a sibling and our I think my best music may still be locked inside How did that start? oldest son. But we’ve held onto each other in my head, so I’m plannin’ to go back into the Mr. John Schneider... Now that’s a really good our darkest hours and given each other studio to record another traditional Cajun guy!

Of course, I’ve known who John was strength when we had lost our own. She’s been French album. Who knows, maybe I’ll even get since he stared as Bo Duke and then became a my manager, tour manager, record label, meranother Grammy nomination. big country music star in the early ’80s.

In 1974 chandiser, song I’m hopin’ to have more opportunities to play I had recorded a song for Mercury Records writin’ partner, accordion with other great music artists and called, I’ve Been Around Enough To Know. roadie, and anything who knows, maybe I’ll even get to play with I don’t remember how high the record charted, else we needed to Garth Brooks and George Strait. Hey, if you’re but John released his version of the same song keep my career on gonna set a career goal, you might as well reach around 1984 and it went to #1 on the country track. She’s the last high! charts. thing I want to see But my biggest goal for 2020 is to be a bigger We never met until a few years ago after his every night and the spokesman for Autism. I have Asperger's Synhome and studio were completely flooded in first thing I want to drome and I’ve struggled all my life to do what Holden La. John had been out of the music see every mornin’. comes so easy for most people. I want to show business for many years, but he had decided to You were one of young people that havin’ a disability doesn’t give it another try and he was recordin’ a new the bikers in the mean you can’t follow your dreams and cd with songs about the flood. Well, we finally movie Mask with achieve your goals. I don’t look at myself as met at a benefit for victims of the flood and he Cher and Sam havin’ a disability, I look at myself as havin’ a asked me to play accordion on some of the Elliott. You perdifferent ability. The ability to turn off the songs. So we met up at a recordin’ studio and I formed music in outside world and tune into my own world, a think I ended up playin’ on about seven of the Steel Magnolias world where music is my salvation. I guess you songs. From there, he and his wife invited me and several other could even say, “Music is what saved the little to come and play at his studio after they started movies. Talk a boy under the wagon”. rebuildin’ it from the flood. In 2018 he had the little bit about first big event at the studio called, Bo’s ExtravaLeave us with anything that comes to those experiences ganza and he invited me to perform. Of course, mind. and your other I did and it was a great event. Later that year I If I had one quote that I’d like to be rememfilm work. went to Nashville to play on his new cd and bered by, it would be, “Sometimes bein’ differI was blessed to then again, in 2019, he invited me back for ent, makes all the difference in life”. have played a role Bo’s Extravaganza. We have become good in Mask with the friends with both John and his beautiful wife JO-ELSONNIER.COM great Cher and Sam Alicia and plan to play at the 2020 Bo’s Extrav-

STEAMMAGAZINE.NET FEBRUARY 2020 STEAM MAGAZINE 13

Every Thursday night is FREE BEER night at the comfortable Mustang Island confines of Giggity’s Restaurant & Bar in Port Aransas. But, before you belly up to the bar expecting to get a Bud or Shiner on the house, heed the words of Dale West, co-founder of Port A’s FREE BEER Band; “We drink beer for free…you don’t.”

West and fellow co-founder, Steve

Goldstein, met in 2010 at a massive jam at The Tarpon Ice House in Port A. After backing a local singer/ songwriter for a few months, the duo continued on at the Tarpon, soon adding Crawford Brown on upright bass and vocals. Not really having a name to hang their hats on, they showed up one Thursday to see the billboard out front boasting FREE BEER Band playing. Thinking that

14 STEAM MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2020 STEAMMAGAZINE.NET

another band was hired and their musical services were no longer required, they soon learned that they were given a new band name derived from what they were getting paid.

FREE BEER Band continued on as an acoustic round-robin that was supplemented by the addition of winter Texan friends when they were in town.

They began attracting the attention of locals and visitors to the South Texas beach community with their brand of classic rock, country, bluegrass, and folk. On any given night, they might be covering Dylan, the Stones, Townes Van Zandt, Merle Haggard, the Louvin Brothers, Canned Heat or Jimmie Rogers. Sometimes they’d even inconspicuously work in an original or two. The Tarpon’s intimate, front porch setting allowed the musicians to be up close and personal with the growing crowds of friends and followers. It was loose; it was spontaneous; it was a whole lot of fun.

But, all good things must come to an end. Loved by many and home to the FREE BEER Band for over two years, owner Paul Fain closed the doors of his Tarpon Ice House in January of 2014. Then, without missing a beat, the band moved to the “Flats,” the epicenter of Port A’s nightlife entertainment. Their first Thursday appearance at Giggity’s Bar & Grill was on February 6th, 2014, and, after six years, it’s become one of the longest-running, weekly residencies on Mustang Island.

They’d previously been hosts to a weekly hootenanny party at the Tarpon Ice House; but that was then, and this was now. The FREE BEER Band now had a real gig. Changes had to be made in the existing format to conform to the new venue.

They went electric, brought on a drummer and started working off a set list. They’d become bona fide.

Today, the band consists of the “core four” members; Steve Goldstein on guitar and mandolin, Arnold Govella on guitar, Tony Nicklin on bass, and Randy Endsley on drums. They are joined by Andrea Leigh on fiddle and, at various times throughout the year, Dale West and John Boeckler on guitars, and Bob Reed on harps. Everyone sings. They combine identifiable staples by the likes of Tom Petty and George Strait with lesser known tunes by Robert Earl Keen and The Vipers (yes, THE Vipers). The FREE BEER Band is nothing if not eclectic, and after almost 10 years, still having a lot of fun.

FACEBOOK.COM/ THE-FREE-BEER-BAND

Norton Buffalo Band Brother Written By

Kim Smith Miller By Rick J Bowen

(Turn Point Press)

WaBlues.org

The new book by Kim Smith Miller, Norton Buffalo: Band Brother, released in the fall of 2019, is a photographic and testimonial tribute to the late Norton Buffalo, who is considered by many to be one of the greatest harmonica players of the last 50 years. During her time on the road with the Steve Miller Band from 1982 to 2012, Kim Smith Miller took thousands of photographs of the group and gathered a lifetime of memories. Along with good friend and curator Ian Boyden, she culled her collection down to fit into the 200-page photo essay that includes Steve Miller’s personal favorite photo of Norton Buffalo. The striking black and white images not only tell the story of a musical career, but also reflect a personal life full of dynamic drama and grace. Accompanying her remarkable shots are interviews with band members Kenny Lee Lewis and Steve Miller. Kenny Lee Lewis and Steve Miller recall fond memories of sharing the stage with Norton Buffalo for over 30 years. Fellow harmonica player Curtis Salgado provides unique insight to the instrument relating the lessons he learned from his dear friend. Watching Norton Buffalo, Curtis realized that playing harmonica wasn’t just playing an instrument, but “literally breathing music.” Kim Smith Miller teaches us about the challenges of being a female photographer in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, and each of her photographs show how she captured the magic that happens every night on the road with a touring rock ‘n roll band at the top of the charts. Woven through each interview are fond memories, anecdotes, wild tales, and glimpses into the character that was Norton Buffalo, and how his magical personality affected all of those around him, as he strove to be a blessing to the world.

My first show of the year was at Aero Crafters in Victoria. Singer-songwriter Rick Evans, who has played for several other bands and written for other artists, has his own group.

They have a great song selection from originals to covers.

Words & Photos By Tim Dodge, STEAM Magazine

I’ll be checking out the music scenes all around Central and South Texas, so if you see me come up and say hello or send me suggestions on musicians or events to photograph.

Submissions @SteamTx.com

I took a little trip to the New Braunfels area and went to the historic Gruene Hall to see 2 great bands. First was Triston Marez, out of Houston, and who did a great job on stage.

Randall King & the Hard Livin' Band took the stage shortly after Marez. This was Randall’s first time headlining at Gruene Hall and it was sold out! Go see this young man perform and you will be a fan.

I stayed in New Braunfels through Wednesday to catch the blues/ Cajun trio Slim Bawb. These three gentlemen are a very talented and fun group to watch playing a variety of instruments. This was Bawb's birthday, it was also Elvis Presley’s, and Bawb was channeling his inner Elvis for the show.

Some friends and I went to Alstadt Brewery in Fredericksburg to listen to Thomas Michael Riley. The place is beautiful and resembles a German dining hall with lines of tables where everyone sits together and enjoys each other’s company. Thomas was in great form and, if he is in your area, I recommend seeing his show.

At Schroeder Hall I went to see a regional favorite, Jarrod Birmingham. Opening for Jarrod was a young man from Del Rio, William Beckmann. This kid has a great sound and plays original songs along with some covers from Elvis to Ray Price.

When the man of the night, Jarrod Birmingham took the stage, the crowd was ready for a party and he delivered, performing originals and cover songs. His wife Jennifer, who sings backup, sang a couple of duets with Jarrod. Watching them sing together, you can tell they really love each other and love what they are doing. Jarrod Birmingham is a great band to dance to and do some buckle polishing.

STEAMMAGAZINE.NET FEBRUARY 2020 STEAM MAGAZINE

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